Lombok displays cultural variety than Bali. Its population is divided among a Muslim majority, Balinese Hindus and animist who blend certain elements of Islam with ancestor and spirit worship as part of a faith known as Wetu Telu (literally " three-time muslim", because its adherents pray three times daily instead of five). The majority ethnic group is the sasak, who live, primarily in eastern and central Lombok. The ethnic Balinese, on the other hand, is settled mostly in the western third of the island. They believe Agung (Bali's sacred peak) and Rinjani (Lombok's highest mountain) are man and wife. The graceful pottery of the island is unlike any other and its richly de¬tailed hand-loomed textiles are now fetching very high prices in the west. Other craft items worth looking for are jewelry made from tiny bits of carved bamboo wedding trunks fashioned from palm leaf and small leather pouch¬ es traditionally used to carry a day's supply of betel. Diving in Lombok waters is great, say the experts, especially around the three small islands known as The Gilis. Mountain climbers will certainly want to scale Rinjani, timing their arrivals at summit to coincide with sunrise.

Lombok's Guide

Lombok is the most popular destination in Nusa Tenaggara – a province in South Central Indonesia. Visitors head here for both underwater and on-land exploration. Situated east of Bali, it can be accessed by plane or boat. The island consists of virginal sandy beaches and a hilly terrain, fringed by mesmerizing azure shores, making it a favourite destination for trekking, surfing and beach lounging.